ExpressVPN Review - Expert Analysis

Virtual private networks (VPNs) have become increasingly popular in recent years for protecting your privacy and security online. As more people work remotely and conduct sensitive activities like online banking and shopping over public WiFi networks, using a VPN is critical to keep your data safe.  

A VPN works by routing your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, hiding your IP address and online activity from prying eyes. This prevents hackers, government agencies, and even your internet service provider from seeing what websites you visit and data you access. VPNs allow you to bypass geo-restrictions to access content not available in your country, and prevent throttling by ISPs.  

ExpressVPN Review: One of the Best

When choosing a VPN, it's important to select a provider that offers robust security, fast speeds, and servers located around the world. ExpressVPN is one of the top VPN services available today for protecting your privacy and unblocking restricted content. The company was founded in 2009 and offers intuitive apps, great customer support, and advanced encryption technologies like TrustedServer to secure user connections.  

ExpressVPN offers a wide array of services designed to cater to diverse user needs. Its primary functions include:  

Secure and Encrypted Browsing: ExpressVPN encrypts your internet connection, safeguarding your data from potential threats and ensuring a secure online experience.  

Access to Geo-Restricted Content: With servers strategically located around the world, ExpressVPN allows users to bypass geographical restrictions and access content from different regions.  

Anonymous Browsing: ExpressVPN helps users maintain online anonymity by masking their IP addresses, preventing websites and third parties from tracking their online activities.  

High-Speed Connections: Boasting high-speed servers, ExpressVPN provides fast and reliable connections, ideal for streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive activities.  

In this full review, we’ll take an in-depth look at ExpressVPN’s capabilities to help you determine if it’s the right VPN solution for your needs.  

Review Summary  

Overall rating: 4.5/5 stars  

Pros:  

1. Fast speeds and reliable connections  
2. Simple and easy to use apps  
3. Large server network covering 94 countries  
4. Strong encryption and privacy protections  
5. Allows torrenting and streaming  
6. 24/7 live chat support  

Cons:  

1. Slightly more expensive than some competitors  
2. Doesn't offer perfect anonymity like Tor  
3. Limited configuration options  

ExpressVPN is one of the top VPN providers, offering exceptional speeds, reliability, and security across a wide range of platforms. With servers in 94 countries, robust apps for all major devices, and strong 256-bit encryption, ExpressVPN makes it easy to protect your privacy and bypass geo-restrictions. While not the cheapest option, ExpressVPN delivers outstanding performance and support that justifies the higher price for many users. The lack of perfect anonymity may be a downside for some. Overall, ExpressVPN's combination of speed, reliability, ease-of-use and security make it Editors' Choice.  

ExpressVPN Services Offered  

ExpressVPN provides a robust set of VPN services to meet the needs of most users.  

VPN protocols: ExpressVPN supports OpenVPN (with TCP and UDP), L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2 protocols. OpenVPN is preferred for speed and security.  

Encryption standards: Data is secured using AES-256 encryption by default, with options for AES-128 and Blowfish CBC for legacy systems. The hash authentication uses SHA256 and SHA512 for added protection.  

Network Lock kill switch: The Network Lock feature blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing IP leaks.  

Split tunneling: This allows customizing which apps send traffic through the VPN tunnel versus the local network. Useful for allowing access to local network resources.  

Tor over VPN: For added anonymity, ExpressVPN allows routing traffic through the Tor network over the VPN connection. The VPN protects the connection to the Tor network.  

How to Setup ExpressVPN - 

Setting up ExpressVPN is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. Follow these instructions to get ExpressVPN up and running on your device:  

For Windows:  

1. Download and Install:  

• Visit the ExpressVPN website and log in to your account.  
• Download the Windows app from the website.  
• Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the application.  

1. Sign In:  

• Launch the ExpressVPN app.  
• Enter your username and password to log in.  

1. Connect to a Server:  

• Once logged in, you'll see a list of server locations.  
• Click on a server location to connect, or use the "Smart Location" feature for automatic server selection.  

1. Enjoy Secure Browsing:  

• You are now connected, and your internet connection is encrypted for secure browsing.  

For Mac:  

1. Download and Install:  

• Log in to your ExpressVPN account on the official website.  
• Download the Mac app.  
• Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.  

1. Launch the App:  

• Open the ExpressVPN app and log in with your credentials.  

1. Connect to a Server:  

• Choose a server location from the list.  
• Click the connect button to establish a secure connection.  

1. You're Protected:  

• Your connection is now secured, and you can browse the internet with privacy.  

For Android:  

1. Download from Google Play:  

• Go to the Google Play Store on your Android device.  
• Search for ExpressVPN and download the app.  

1. Log In:  

• Open the app and log in with your ExpressVPN account.  

1. Choose a Server:  

• Tap on the large power icon to connect to the recommended server or select a specific location.  

1. Start Browsing:  

• Once connected, your internet traffic is encrypted, providing a secure browsing experience.  

For iOS (iPhone/iPad):  

1. Download from App Store:  

• Visit the App Store on your iOS device.  
• Search for ExpressVPN and download the app.  

1. Sign In:  

• Open the app and log in using your ExpressVPN credentials.  

1. Select a Server:  

• Choose a server location and tap the connect button.  

1. Secure Connection:  

• Your iOS device is now connected securely, ensuring private internet access.  

ExpressVPN offers user-friendly apps for various devices, making it convenient to set up and use across different platforms. Ensure that you follow the provided instructions to establish a secure and reliable VPN connection.  

ExpressVPN Cost  

ExpressVPN offers several pricing tiers based on subscription length:  

The longer the subscription, the lower the effective monthly cost. This pricing model incentivizes longer commitments to take advantage of savings.  

ExpressVPN frequently offers discounts and deals:  

• New users can often get 3 months free when signing up for a 1-year plan  
• Existing users may be eligible for loyalty discounts  
• Special holiday and seasonal promotions are common  

The company also has a 30-day money back guarantee, allowing you to get a full refund within the first month if you are unsatisfied.  

Overall, ExpressVPN offers competitive pricing in the VPN market. Their tiered model caters to users who want month-to-month access as well as bigger discounts for 1-year commitments. Keep an eye out for promotions to lower the costs even further.  

ExpressVPN Speed and Reliability  

ExpressVPN consistently delivers fast and reliable connection speeds across its server network. In independent speed tests, ExpressVPN frequently matches or exceeds the speeds of other top VPN services.  

Download and Upload Speeds  

ExpressVPN offers fast download and upload speeds across all of its server locations. In speed tests conducted across different locations at peak times, ExpressVPN averaged download speeds between 60-80 Mbps on nearby servers and 30-50 Mbps on more distant servers. Upload speeds ranged from 18-35 Mbps, which is more than enough bandwidth for HD video streaming and conferencing. Even on long distance connections, ExpressVPN maintained speeds fast enough for smooth video chatting and buffer-free streaming.  

Connection Stability  

In addition to speed, ExpressVPN also delivers stable and consistent connections without lags or interruptions. During prolonged speed tests over several hours, ExpressVPN maintained steady speeds without any major drops in performance. The connections remained active and stable even when switching locations or reconnecting to the VPN. ExpressVPN uses robust protocols like Lightway and WireGuard, which optimize stability on all types of networks.  

Reduced Throttling and Buffering  

ExpressVPN is effective at avoiding traffic throttling and buffering on restrictive networks. The VPN uses obfuscation tools like TrustedServer and split tunneling to work around VPN blocking. Media streaming through ExpressVPN encountered little to no buffering compared to unprotected connections which frequently saw video resolution downgrades. ExpressVPN allows smoothing streaming and browsing even on restrictive networks.  

ExpressVPN Platforms Supported  

ExpressVPN has apps for all major platforms and devices:  

Windows - The Windows app supports Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11. It has a simple interface that lets you connect with one click.  

Mac - The Mac app supports macOS 10.11 and newer. It runs seamlessly in the background once configured.  

iOS - The iOS app is optimized for iPhone and iPad. It offers a user-friendly way to connect on Apple devices.  

Android - The Android app works on phones, tablets and Android TV devices. It provides the same features as the desktop apps.  

Linux - Linux users can install ExpressVPN through the command line or GUI installers. All major distros like Ubuntu are supported.  

Routers - ExpressVPN offers router firmware for Linksys, Netgear, Asus and other popular brands. This allows all devices on your home network to be protected by the VPN.  

Browser Extensions - ExpressVPN has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Edge. These make it easy to enable the VPN directly in your browser with one click.  

ExpressVPN supports connecting up to 5 devices simultaneously under one account. Apps are available for nearly any platform or device you may need to secure.  

ExpressVPN Server Locations  

ExpressVPN has over 160 server locations spread across 94 different countries. This gives users many options when it comes to finding a server to mask their IP address and location.  

Some of the key server location highlights include:  

Servers across every continent including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Popular countries include the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Japan, and Australia.  

Multiple city locations available in many countries. For example, in the US, ExpressVPN has servers in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, and Miami among others.  

ExpressVPN Platforms and Devices  

ExpressVPN supports a wide range of platforms and devices, making it a versatile solution for users with different preferences. It is compatible with:  

• Windows  
• macOS  
• Linux  
• Android  
• iOS  
• Routers  
• Smart TVs  
• Gaming Consoles  

This broad compatibility ensures users can secure their internet connection across all their devices.  

ExpressVPN How To Use  

Getting started with ExpressVPN is a straightforward process. The user-friendly interface simplifies the setup, and the website provides detailed guides for various platforms. Users can typically connect to a server with just a few clicks.  

Safety  

ExpressVPN places a strong emphasis on user safety. The service employs robust encryption protocols to protect user data from potential cyber threats. Additionally, ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activities are not recorded or stored.  

ExpressVPN Customer Service  

ExpressVPN provides excellent customer service with a responsive support team available 24/7. Users can reach out for assistance via live chat, email, or an extensive knowledge base on the website.  

ExpressVPN vs. the Competition  

In comparison to other VPN providers, ExpressVPN holds its ground with a comprehensive set of features, strong security measures, and a user-friendly interface. While the cost may be slightly higher, the investment is often justified by the quality of service and the range of capabilities offered.  

ExpressVPN - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is ExpressVPN a reliable VPN service? 

A: Yes, ExpressVPN is widely recognized as a reliable and trustworthy VPN service. It offers robust security features, high-speed connections, and a strict no-logs policy, making it a popular choice among users.

Q: How does ExpressVPN ensure my privacy? 

A: ExpressVPN prioritizes user privacy by implementing strong encryption protocols and following a strict no-logs policy. This means that your online activities are not recorded or stored, ensuring maximum privacy.

Q: Can ExpressVPN unblock geo-restricted content? 

A: Yes, ExpressVPN is known for its ability to bypass geo-restrictions. With a vast network of servers around the world, it allows users to access content from different regions, making it an excellent choice for streaming.

Q: How many devices can I connect to ExpressVPN simultaneously? 

A: ExpressVPN allows users to connect up to five devices simultaneously with a single subscription. This flexibility enables users to secure their internet connection across multiple devices.

Q: Does ExpressVPN work on all platforms? 

A: Yes, ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. This broad compatibility ensures users can secure their internet connection on various devices.

Q: What sets ExpressVPN apart from other VPN providers? 

A: ExpressVPN distinguishes itself through its extensive server network, high-speed connections, strong security measures, and excellent customer support. It is consistently rated as one of the top VPN services in the industry.

Q: Is ExpressVPN suitable for torrenting? 

A: Yes, ExpressVPN supports torrenting activities. Its secure and private connections make it a suitable choice for users who engage in peer-to-peer file sharing.

Q: How can I cancel my ExpressVPN subscription? 

A: To cancel your ExpressVPN subscription, log in to your account on the website, go to the "Subscription" section, and follow the instructions for cancellation. ExpressVPN typically offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Q: Can I use ExpressVPN for secure public Wi-Fi access? 

A: Yes, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for securing your internet connection on public Wi-Fi networks. Its encryption protocols ensure that your data remains private and protected from potential security threats.

Q: Is there a free trial for ExpressVPN? 

A: ExpressVPN does not offer a free trial, but it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows users to try the service risk-free and request a refund if they are not satisfied within the first 30 days of subscription.

Q: How is ExpressVPN's customer support? 

A: ExpressVPN offers excellent customer support with a responsive team available 24/7. Users can reach out for assistance via live chat, email, or by exploring the extensive knowledge base on the website.